KEY POINTS
- Nigeria’s data regulator has opened a formal investigation into Temu over suspected privacy and data-handling violations.
- Authorities are concerned about surveillance practices, opaque processing, and international transfer of Nigerian users’ data.
- The probe could lead to penalties and may set a precedent for how global tech firms operate within Nigeria’s digital economy.
Nigeria’s data protection authority, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, has initiated an official investigation into Chinese-owned e-commerce platform Temu over suspected breaches of the country’s data-privacy laws.
The probe signals increasing regulatory scrutiny of global tech companies operating in Africa’s largest market and could result in sanctions if violations are confirmed.
According to the commission, the investigation was triggered by concerns about the company’s handling of personal information, including alleged online surveillance, unclear data-processing methods, cross-border data transfers, and potential violations of data-minimisation principles.
The probe signals increasing regulatory scrutiny of global tech companies operating in Africa’s largest market and could result in sanctions if violations are confirmed.
According to the commission, the investigation was triggered by concerns about the company’s handling of personal information, including alleged online surveillance, unclear data-processing methods, cross-border data transfers, and potential violations of data-minimisation principles.
Leadership Warns of Possible Legal Consequences
The inquiry was ordered by NDPC chief Vincent Olatunji, who cautioned that organisations found to be non-compliant with Nigeria’s data-protection framework may face legal penalties.
His directive underscores the agency’s growing willingness to enforce compliance as digital platforms expand their footprint across the country.
Temu did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
Rising Global Scrutiny of Rapid Expansion
The investigation comes as Temu faces mounting attention worldwide over its swift international growth and aggressive pricing model.
The platform, owned by PDD Holdings, has rapidly gained popularity in Nigeria through its app-based marketplace, which offers heavily discounted fashion items, electronics, and household goods.
The NDPC estimates that Temu processes personal data belonging to roughly 12.7 million Nigerians and serves about 70 million daily users globally, making compliance with local data laws a matter of national importance.
Nigeria’s data watchdog has previously demonstrated its readiness to sanction companies. In 2025, it fined Multichoice Nigeria 766 million naira (about $565,990 at the official rate of ₦1,353.38 per dollar) for breaching data-protection regulations.
That precedent signals that authorities may not hesitate to impose penalties if similar infractions are confirmed in the Temu case.
With millions of citizens relying on digital platforms for shopping and services, the outcome of the probe could set a major precedent for how international tech companies manage user data within Nigeria.
Analysts say the case may shape future compliance standards, strengthen consumer protections, and clarify how cross-border data flows are regulated in Africa’s fast-growing digital market.s
Temu did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
Rising Global Scrutiny of Rapid Expansion
The investigation comes as Temu faces mounting attention worldwide over its swift international growth and aggressive pricing model.
The platform, owned by PDD Holdings, has rapidly gained popularity in Nigeria through its app-based marketplace, which offers heavily discounted fashion items, electronics, and household goods.
The NDPC estimates that Temu processes personal data belonging to roughly 12.7 million Nigerians and serves about 70 million daily users globally, making compliance with local data laws a matter of national importance.
Nigeria’s data watchdog has previously demonstrated its readiness to sanction companies. In 2025, it fined Multichoice Nigeria 766 million naira (about $565,990 at the official rate of ₦1,353.38 per dollar) for breaching data-protection regulations.
That precedent signals that authorities may not hesitate to impose penalties if similar infractions are confirmed in the Temu case.
With millions of citizens relying on digital platforms for shopping and services, the outcome of the probe could set a major precedent for how international tech companies manage user data within Nigeria.
Analysts say the case may shape future compliance standards, strengthen consumer protections, and clarify how cross-border data flows are regulated in Africa’s fast-growing digital market.
